Growing and Harvesting Potatoes

Planting

Choose a sunny spot and dig to break down soil, removing any clods. Dig a trench in the soil 15cm (6in) deep by 15cm (6in) wide before laying out the seed potatoes with the shoots facing upwards. Position the seed 25-30cm (10-12in) apart allowing 60cm (24in) between each row.

Once the first shoots begin to show cover with a new layer of soil to protect the crop.

Once shoots are 5cm (2in) tall cover the shoots with more soil to block out any light. This process is known as earthing up. Do this process twice.

Water the soil around plants especially once foliage has formed and keep a look out for late frosts.

Planting Potatoes in a Growing Bag

This is a simple way of growing seed potatoes. Simply fill a growing bag with 15cm (6in) of compost then place three or four chitted potatoes evenly on top of the compost with sprouts facing upwards. Cover the potatoes with a further 10-15cm (4-6in) of compost. Ensure compost is well watered then add further compost as shoots appear until it reaches 5cm (2in) from the top of the bag.

Harvesting

When the potato plant starts to flower it is usually a sign that the potatoes are ready for harvesting.